Cost of Living in Helena-West Helena, AR
Population 9,218 · Arkansas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $32,466, median household incomes in Helena-West Helena land roughly 56% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 32% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Helena-West Helena is about 55 miles southwest of Memphis, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Memphis' $157,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Helena-West Helena
The median home value in Helena-West Helena is $72,300 — 76% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $774/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $32,466/year is 56% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 18.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Arkansas's top state income tax rate is 4.4% and the combined sales tax is 9.5%. Overall, Helena-West Helena has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.
Helena-West Helena has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Helena-West Helena, AR?
Helena-West Helena has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.
What is average rent in Helena-West Helena, AR?
The median gross rent in Helena-West Helena is $774 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Helena-West Helena?
The median home value in Helena-West Helena is $72,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Helena-West Helena?
The median household income in Helena-West Helena is $32,466 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Helena-West Helena, AR?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Helena-West Helena is 9.5%. The Arkansas state income tax top rate is 4.4%.
Is Helena-West Helena, AR affordable?
Yes, Helena-West Helena is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.
Helena-West Helena at a Glance
- Population
- 9,218
- Median Income
- $32,466
- Home Value
- $72,300
- Median Rent
- $774/mo
- Unemployment
- 18.3%
- Sales Tax
- 9.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data